Interpretive Summary: The genes expressed in response to cryostress in plant shoot tips are not known. In this project we compared the gene expression patterns in untreated, cryoprotectant-treated, and recovering shoot tips using differential display methods. This project identified two genes that appeared to be differentially expressed. The first is a calcium ion binding protein responsive to desiccation in Arabidopsis and the second is an osmotically responsive gene, Real-time PCR will be used to confirm results. These initial results indicate that Arabidopsis can serve as a model system for the investigation of cryopreservation gene expression patterns.

Technical Abstract:
The genes expressed in response to cryostress in plant shoot tips are not known. In this project we compared the gene expression patterns in untreated, cryoprotectant-treated, and recovering shoot tips using differential display methods. This project identified two genes that appeared to be differentially expressed. The first is a calcium ion binding protein responsive to desiccation in Arabidopsis and the second is an osmotically responsive gene, Real-time PCR will be used to confirm results. These initial results indicate that Arabidopsis can serve as a model system for the investigation of cryopreservation gene expression patterns.